(a) If, without reasonable cause, a witness refuses to produce a document or to testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the Commission may and, on request of a party to the proceeding, shall apply to a circuit court for an order to show cause. (b) On proof by affidavit that a witness has refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court shall pass an order, returnable within 2 to 5 days, that directs the witness to show cause why the witness should not be imprisoned. (c) (1) On return of the order, the circuit court shall conduct a hearing to determine if the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to testify or provide a document in accordance with an order of the Commission. (2) The circuit court shall: (i) examine the witness under oath; and (ii) give the witness an opportunity to be heard. (3) If the circuit court finds that the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court may have the witness immediately imprisoned until the witness: (i) produces the document or testifies; or roduce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court may have the witness immediately imprisoned until the witness: (i) produces the document or testifies; or (ii) is discharged in accordance with law.
Maryland Legal Code